To think that work shouldn't assume I can do overtime?

[caddywally]

Work has decided to take on a new project that will dramatically increase the workload of my team but will not really negatively affect anyone higher up. I already find my job very stressful and have more than enough work to keep me occupied, and only earn a small amount more than minimum wage, so when I was told that I should expect my workload to increase and evenings and weekends might be required, I was a bit peeved that they'd assumed I'd be fine with this. Am I just lazy and workshy?

What happens if you don't do it? It's not lazy or workshy, if the company aren't prepared to invest in it properly or ask people nicely then it can't be that important to them surely.

Ermm nope! I would be really pissed off to OP!

JoWithABow I'm not sure what would happen, really. The project would just take longer to complete.

Don't you get asked who / when you can do it? When I had a job that paid overtime you had to bid I.e say I can do 2hrs on Tuesday, 2hrs on Thurs etc.

You work your contracted hours and no more, they will then reassign the project to a mug.

Ask them how much they intend to pay for evenings and weekends, and how this will be arranged (opt-outs, etc)?

The overtime isn't really organised - you just do more work when the work comes in. Pay hasn't been mentioned yet. I won't be paid for it unless it becomes a large amount of overtime each week.

What's in your contract about overtime?

Maverick I can't remember the exact wording, but something about working overtime occasionally if required for business needs. It's not the occasional overtime that annoys me (I already do that if I have a particularly heavy workload that day/week), but the way it's been assumed that we'll pick up all the extra work that goes along with this new project, instead of more people being recruited as the business expands (which I think is what needs to happen).

If it’s ynpaid and you’re already only just over minimum wage they need to pay you or your average drops to beneath legal minimum

So would you be expected to do more hours? Or just more work within the time you are already at work?

And are you paid by the hour or monthly?

Sit down with your boss this week and make your position clear. They have a duty of care and you seem as if it would affect your health.

JoWithABow There would be more work within the time I'm already at work, but also more hours (which is the part I'm feeling a bit miffed about). I'm paid monthly so I suppose they don't have to pay me for the extra hours I put in, but I feel as though they'd be asking too much of me considering that I'm not at all well paid, and it would be a lot more stress to deal with.

Does your salary take you below the minimum wage once you add in the extra hours? If it does you can challenge it as it's not allowed.

If it doesn't it still warrants a conversation. Regular evenings and weekends when you don't usually work them and when your contract specifies "occasional overtime" is not on.